UPDATE: Francesca Albanese, the contentious UN special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, has been officially removed as an “affiliated scholar” from Georgetown University following mounting pressure from advocacy groups. This significant development comes after UN Watch, a Geneva-based NGO, launched a campaign earlier this year condemning Albanese’s perceived support for terrorism and antisemitism.
Just moments ago, UN Watch released screenshots showing that Albanese, previously listed as the first name on Georgetown’s Institute for the Study of International Migration’s “Other Affiliated Scholars” page, has vanished from the website entirely. This removal signals a decisive shift in the university’s stance amid ongoing debates over academic integrity and accountability.
The urgency of this situation escalated following Albanese’s controversial remarks at an event in Sicily on August 8, 2025, where she stated, “People continue to say, ‘But Hamas, Hamas, Hamas…’ I don’t think people have any idea what Hamas is.” Her comments sparked outrage and were highlighted by critics as reflective of her problematic views.
Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, welcomed the university’s decision, stating, “Academic institutions have a responsibility to uphold basic standards of integrity and human dignity.” He emphasized that removing individuals who propagate antisemitic rhetoric is crucial for restoring these principles within educational frameworks.
Interestingly, Albanese’s removal coincides with U.S. sanctions imposed on her in July 2023, marking her as the first UN official to face such actions. In an official statement, Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, condemned Albanese’s biased activities, highlighting her expressions of antisemitism and support for terrorism. He noted, “The United States has repeatedly condemned… Albanese’s unfit service as a special rapporteur.”
Albanese has publicly decried the impact of these sanctions, claiming they create a “chilling effect” on her interactions with others, stating, “Anyone who engages with a US-sanctioned person risks arrest and heavy fines.” This ongoing narrative adds a layer of personal struggle to her professional controversies.
As conversations continue, Neuer called for the UN to follow Georgetown’s lead, asserting, “There ought to be no place in the human rights system for officials who promote hatred and excuse terrorism.” Albanese, for her part, has denied allegations of antisemitism, claiming they have been “weaponised” against her.
Georgetown University and Francesca Albanese have yet to respond to requests for comment. This developing story highlights the intersection of academic freedom, political accountability, and the urgent need for integrity in international human rights discussions. As the situation unfolds, many are watching to see the broader implications for similar cases in the future.
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